Grandma’s Lentil Stew
Traditional grandma-style
Inroduction
About this Recipe
By: Marija
A warm embrace in a bowl, this classic stew brings back memories of cozy kitchens filled with laughter and love.
As the aroma wafts through the house, it wraps you in nostalgia, making every meal feel like a comforting hug from home. Perfect for sharing with family, just like grandma always intended.
👵🏼🥣
Ingredients
- 100g small brown lentils (no soaking needed)
- 100g black beluga lentils (no soaking needed)
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 300g potatoes, diced
- 1 large red onion, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 700ml water (you may need more as it cooks)
- 1-2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- A pinch of chili flakes (optional)
- 1-2 tsp vegetable broth powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- A dash of vinegar (or lemon juice)
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1
In a large pot, heat a bit of oil over medium heat.
Add the diced onion, garlic, potatos and diced carrots. Sauté until the onions become soft and translucent, about 5–7 minutes.
Step 2
Stir in the small brown lentils and black beluga lentils, coating them well with the sautéed vegetables.
Step 3
Add 700ml of water (or more as needed) and bring everything to a boil.
Add vegetable broth powder, cumin, smoked paprika, chili flakes (if using), and some salt and pepper.
Step 4
Let everything simmer over medium heat for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. Check if more water is needed as the lentils and vegetables cook.
Step 5
Once cooked, adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and a dash of vinegar or lemon juice for a final touch of brightness.
Optional: Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme before serving.
Step 6
Here is a suggestion to enhance the presentation:
Baking the stew in the Pumpkin:
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
Cutt off the top of a pumpkin and remove the seeds and flesh. Ladle the fully cooked stew into the hollow pumpkin, filling it up to about ¾ of the way to avoid any overflow during baking.
Bake in the oven for about 20 minutes. This allows the stew to infuse with the pumpkin flavor, while the pumpkin softens and becomes even more tender. Serve the stew directly from the pumpkin bowl. As you scoop the stew, you can also scrape some of the softened pumpkin flesh from the sides and mix it into each serving for extra flavor and texture.
